@HBarlow

[mainer29]

Could you give me your personal opinion about Nuwa HitchHiker LS Model compared to Discover America models.



Thank You.

 

[HBarlow]

Mainer,

Sure, be glad to. The HH LS is built in the same plant as the DA and Champagne using the same construction methods ie vacuum bonded sidewalls, aluminum framed walls and ends, and wood truss roofs and are of similar quality. As would be expected, the LS models are built to be a little lighter and a little less expensive so beyond the basic construction methods some materials and content are different. They are also generally built in smaller sizes. I think they are good fifthwheels and are a good choice. Selection depends on what you want to spend, what size and weight trailer you want, and perhaps what you will pull it with.

NuWa has sold hundreds, perhaps thousands of HH II or HH LS models in the smaller sizes like 27. 5 and 29. 5s and their owners typically love them. I have a local friend who bought a very nice clean used 2006 HH LS 29. 5 a year or so ago and I have looked it over. It is a very nice unit.

If you are considering a new one, the LS is built on a Young's Frames platform. Young's Frames is a company down the street from the NuWa plant in the same industrial park in Chanute, KS and is NuWa's long time frame supplier. Young's builds a good strong frame and uses Dexter components.

If you are considering a used unit, some model year HitchHiker II or HitchHiker LS models were built on a Lippert frame "to NuWa's specs" which was, in my opinion, a statement like those sometimes made by a politician. Lippert frames were not of the same quality as a Young's frame and didn't always use the same running gear. Personally, I would not choose a HH built on a Lippert frame. I won't say all were inferior, I'm just saying I wouldn't want one. I prefer the Young's Frame.

I was fortunate that when in late 2006 I was preparing to buy a new fifthwheel I asked my good friend and TDR member Bill Stockard, who knows NuWa products because he owned a couple of them in earlier years. He cautioned me to consider the frame because not all NuWa trailers were alike. I studied the issue carefully, visited the factory at Chanute and took the factory tour several times, asked lots of questions, and selected a unit built on a Young's frame. In 2006 through 2008 or perhaps as late as 2009 all HH LS models and some HH DA models were built on Lippert frames. I didn't want one. I have been very happy with my DA.

I am a fan of the HitchHiker products and the people who build them and have lots of opinions and a little useful information. If you are a serious buyer I'll be happy to answer general or specific questions you may have.

If you wish, pm me and I'll give you my phone number if you want to call and discuss the trailers.